International Day of Persons with Disabilities - the world reacts

Tuesday 3 December marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities (formerly International Day of Disabled Persons), a day to celebrate people with disabilities, as well as raise awareness of their experiences and encourage their further integration into all walks of life.

Promoted by the United Nations, the day’s theme for 2024 was “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, giving advocates the chance to shout about the wonderful qualities and value persons with disabilities can bring to workplaces and communities.

Here is what some of the most important voices in the UK and around the world had to say about the awareness day this year.

UNITED KINGDOM

UK Government

Debbie Abrahams, Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said in the House of Commons on the day itself: “The refrain ‘Nothing about me without me’ emphasises the importance of disabled people not just passively participating in but actively leading decision-making processes that affect their lives. I implore the government to commit to that.

“Disabled people are defined not by their limitations but by their boundless potential, talents and aspirations. Across the globe, they are leading as innovators, creators, athletes, entrepreneurs, educators and advocates, inspiring us with their stories and showing us that a more inclusive world is not only possible but essential.

“Yet despite progress, significant barriers remain, and the number of disabled people reaching their full potential is still far too low. Many disabled people — children and adults — still face discrimination, inaccessible environments, unequal access to education, employment and healthcare, and worse.”

Among other matters, Parliament debated subjects from the disability pay gap to British Sign Language. Read the full transcript here.

Richard Whitehead

The Paralympic gold medalist marathon runner told Enable magazine: “IDPWD is an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges and obstacles that disabled people overcome every day and promote young leadership in society. Some young people are doing incredible things, either in employment, education or by volunteering.

“It also gives brands, and stakeholders, a chance to educate the wider audience and explain how they are bridging the gap between able-bodied people and disabled people through the technologies they provide.”

//crosshead// University College London

The university asked members of its team for one wish related to the subject of disability rights. Ben Watson, head of digital accessibility said: "Recognise that accessibility isn't something you do as well as what you do, it is what you do. Nothing you work on at UCL is finished until it is accessible to everyone."

Addeel Khan, director of equity, inclusion and culture, meanwhile, added: “For managers to understand their responsibilities towards colleagues with disabilities and be supported to deliver them."

AROUND THE WORLD

The White House

Outgoing President Joe Biden began by noting the “incredible contributions” made by the “over one billion disabled people around the world” and said that his government “recommit[s] to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and have every opportunity to reach their full potential”.

He also, however, noted the ongoing struggles faced by many persons with disabilities, saying: “Around the world, people with disabilities are subject to shameful discrimination, harassment, exploitation, abuse and violence. And too often, they struggle to get by — whether it is finding an accommodating job, enjoying public spaces, receiving quality education, or getting to and from school or work.”

He concluded with a quote from disability rights activist Judy Heumann: “Change never happens at the pace we think it should. It happens over years of people joining together, strategi[s]ing, sharing, and pulling all the levers they possibly can,” and gave his thanks to all activists working to push disability rights forward.

United Nations Development Programme

The UNDP chose to focus on voting rights and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and ultimately called for “the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities of both present and future generations in society”.

The organisation’s administrator Achim Steiner said in a video: “This year, some 3.7 billion people across the world have the opportunity to vote, more than ever before in history.

“Yet, for countless persons with disabilities, significant barriers – like inaccessible voting facilities or discrimination – hinder their ability to shape the future they envision.”

World Health Organisation

Saima Wazed, regional director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for South-East Asia, reminded the world of the particular vulnerability of persons with disabilities in times of crisis.

She said: “In humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics, persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable. In such scenarios, along with addressing health conditions, they may also need mental health and psychosocial support.

“These individuals face increased risks and barriers in accessing essential services due to physical, attitudinal, and institutional obstacles.

“We need to recognise the critical need to integrate disability and social inclusion into emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. These inclusive approaches are vital for ensuring equitable access to services, protecting human rights, and upholding the dignity of all individuals.”